Chemical Immunology
Up to date schedule information
Elective course in MSc Chemistry – Chemical Biology, MSc Life Science and Technology, elective course MSc Chemistry
Admission requirements
Bachelor courses in organic chemistry and cell biology are required to attend this course.
Description
The immune system is one of the most highly evolved systems in the human body. It deals with challenges as diverse as viruses and cancer on a daily basis. Chemists have played an increasing role in the molecular understanding and manipulation of the immune system. In this course developments – often very recent – in which chemistry has made a vital contribution to immuno-medicine will be discussed.
Course Objectives
- Acquire a basic understanding of general immunology – Acquire in depth knowledge about a key areas of chemical immunology, namely: – Antibody-therapeutics – Vaccine development – Cancer Immunotherapy – Auto-immune therapy – Immune-targeting pathogens and their clearance
Mode of instruction
The course will be taught as a combination of conventional lectures, tutorials and also through the in-depth discussion of recent literature. Due to the very fast-moving nature of the field the focus of this part of the course will lie on papers from the last few months.
Reading list
Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 8e druk: One chapter per week is required reading.
Papers and reviews covering lecture topics from the recent literature.
Assessment method
Essay plus mini-assignments during the course.
Expected Background
Basic knowledge of organic chemistry, biochemistry and biomolecular chemistry.
Contact Information
s.i.van.kasteren@chem.leidenuniv.nl